This hack claims deodorant will keep headlights free from ice, yellowing and more. Too good to be true? We tested it, and here's what we found out.
As winter settles in, hacks for preventing icy cars are heating up, like this one about rubbing deodorant on your headlights. Could that actually work? tail light film
“This reminds me of the viral headlight cleaning hack that advised people to use bug spray that contained DEET,” says Parham Koukia, lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub. “It makes it looks nice and clear at the time, but you’re creating more work for yourself further down the road because it results in long-term damage to the polycarbonate and quicker hazing.”
So is this deodorant hack legit, or just a new version of old hype? Here’s what we found out when we talked to experts and put it to the test.
In this viral TikTok video, the host explains how any stick of deodorant containing the ingredient zirconium (which is most of them) “can save you a lot of time and make your vehicle more safe for the winter.” Just rub it on the headlights, then use a paper towel to buff it out until all of the film is gone.
The host claims he does this once a month, and it keeps his headlights free of ice and snow, cleans them and helps reduce yellowing and moisture inside.
Perhaps. According to the National Institutes of Health, Zirconium acetate is used in the manufacturing of waterproof chemicals, including antiperspirants, printing inks and paints, so in theory, it could keep moisture from sticking to the outside of the headlight lens. It is also possible that oils or other chemicals in deodorant could disrupt ice crystal formation.
We tested it by rubbing deodorant on a portion of a headlight (inside edge in the photo), and the next morning, there were fewer, but still some ice crystals in that spot. But this wasn’t a highly scientific experiment, and surely factors that determine its effectiveness would range widely, including relative humidity and ambient air temperature (this experiment was conducted with a low of around 10 degrees).
Yes, technically, deodorant can clean headlights. “But so can toothpaste, coke, urine, gasoline and Jack Daniels,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer.com. “Anything with chemicals, acids or grit will clean headlights. However, many can also damage them, get short-lived results, or just make scratches shiny and wet, which temporarily hides damage.”
Deodorant isn’t formulated to clean headlights, especially those made with polycarbonate covers, says Koukia. “While it might remove minor surface dust and greasy films in a pinch, it lacks the abrasives or chemical compounds needed to break down oxidation, the real cause of yellowed, hazy headlights,” he says.
Again, yes, technically, a little. Deodorant on headlights could help a little with yellowing because that is caused by polycarbonate lenses drying out from exposure to the sun and headlamp heat. Because deodorant has some oil in it, that could slightly help replenish those oils on the lens, says Pyle, but it won’t stop yellowing once it’s started. Also, deodorant doesn’t offer protection against UV rays, which means it’s not a good long-term solution.
Nope, deodorant won’t stop moisture buildup. Moisture inside headlamps can happen for two reasons: from normal condensation or because there’s a breach in the casing from a crack or bad gasket. “Rubbing some Old Spice on the lens it not go to reseal the headlight,” says Pyle.
As for condensation, “This is a normal occurrence, and the condensation typically evaporates through vents in the back of the lamp,” says Eric Ruble, a senior communications specialist with Nissan. “If condensation occurs inside a lamp, turning on the lights can help dissipate moisture.”
It’s probably not a great idea. “Using deodorant isn’t worth it unless you value your headlights smelling like your armpits,” says Koukia. While it could make them look better temporarily, you also run the risk of damaging the plastic or clear coat, especially if you try this as a long-term solution, he says.
“It could also leave residue, which will cause more things to stick to it, or add more abrasions, meaning it could get hazy quicker with every application,” says Koukia.
Ruble says engineers on the Nissan headlight team also recommend against using deodorant or any other product not intentionally designed for headlight care. “Our headlamps feature a protective coating rigorously tested with automotive headlamp cleaners to ensure durability and effectiveness,” he says. “Using incompatible products may damage this coating, reducing its ability to prevent yellowing, chipping cracking and fogging.”
For ice and snow, brush loose snow away from the lenses and turn on the headlights. The heat from the lamps is likely to thaw a thin layer of ice. To get that accomplished more quickly, especially if you have to drive at night or in inclement weather, spray them with a deicer, which you can buy or DIY by combining vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water.
To prevent ice form forming on them in the first place, try spraying them with Rain X, which can sometimes prevent water from sticking to the glass long enough to freeze, or cover them with cardboard the night before.
As for yellowing, the best bet is using a headlight restoration kit, which will last longer and provide UV protection, says Koukia. “A quality headlight restoration kit will do a much better job of truly cleaning and polishing headlights, as well as protecting them for the future,” he says.
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